By Barmy Kev
December 14 2008

Now we know for sure that Ed Joyce will not be playing for Middlesex in the Champions League, it seems appropriate to mark the end of his Middlesex career, as he moves on to Sussex next season. Barmy Kev relates the highs, the not-so-highs but ultimately the determination of this sometimes misunderstood yet often enchanting batsman with real star quality. A great tribute for a great player.

Ed Joyce made his debut for Middlesex in 1999 and immediately showed early promise. This was recognised by winning the NBC Dennis Compton award - dedicated to the most promising young players for each county in their first season.

He became a regular team member in 2002 once Ramps moved south, the season I renewed my membership at Middlesex. That season he averaged 51 and scored four hundreds. Commentators and journalists at this stage had him down as the “New David Gower” I always liked to think of him as the “Old Ed Joyce”, but his effortless stroke play and seemingly casual manner made these comparisons inevitable. He was scoring heavily for Ireland too, but made it clear he wanted to qualify for England.

My first recollection of Joyce's class was at Northampton 2003 C&G trophy 1^st round. Our form in this competition was poor and we were struggling on a slow pitch and another early exit seemed inevitable. Joyce had other ideas and made a man of match 73 at almost a run a ball in a tight match with our score 214. There were few boundaries in innings but was able to keep scoreboard ticking with consummate ease.

Consistent high scoring followed subsequent seasons and he completed his English residency qualification in 2005. The 2006 season he made his England one-day debut ironically against Ireland. Two days later he played his 20/20 international, but sprained his ankle and was out for four weeks. I was privileged to see him on his return complete his career best score to date of 216 rescuing Middx against Warwickshire at Edgbaston which oozed of class. He was finding gaps in the boundary with virtually 9 men covering boundary edge. He acknowledged the Turkey cheers at 194 when he beat his previous best.

2006 was a good season and he was selected as replacement for Marcus Trescothick for Ashes 2006/07 squad but never played in the series. However, after an impressive VB one-day series including a ton at Sydney he cemented his place for the 2007 World Cup. After dismal performances in a dire tournament for England he was discarded. In my opinion, making him a scapegoat was unfair. He was batting in wrong position as opener, when his strength is rotating strike in mid order. He has not yet been given a chance at test level where his style would be more suited than the 1-day game.

After his brief international flurry, his county form slumped relatively and really has not done enough of late to support his claims for a recall as other players seemed to overtake him in the pecking order. His casual style which was once seen as class was remarked on by some on Turkey Hill as careless, when he failed. I witnessed him getting caught out to a seemingly lazy attempted sweep on an easy pitch at Bristol. I had to do an errand for Nash benefit which involved me arranging a player picking something up from changing room. I saw Ed outside concentrating heavily on a Suduko and he seemed rather aloof in agreeing to oblige. I’m glad I didn’t but nearly said I wish you showed the same application to batting as for your Sudukos.

Form wise 2008 was an unhappy one by Ed’s standards. There were occasional flashes of brilliance. I recall watching him on TV rescuing us with a 64 against Sussex in Pro 40, allowing a potential less than 100 total score into 165, marshalling tail when our other players were struggling. It was clear that, however, his county form was in decline and averaged 38 with bat. Throughout season rumours were rife about Ed leaving and his attitude was questioned. Towards thend of season his role of deputising captain was taken away adding more fuel to these.

With our 20/20 success, he maybe remembered for dropping 3 dollies at finals days, against England and Trinidad and Tobago, 2 of which proved costly. However, we need to remember he replaced Ed Smith as captain early on in competition and his astute captaincy in rotating bowlers and clever field placing was crucial to our success in the domestic tournament.

 

 Kissing the Pink?

The day after we lost to Trinidad and Tobago in Antigua was difficult one for me. I was not my usually bubbly self and was content to chill out listening to music and minimise conversation. As noted on board, as I was on sun bed with leave me alone body language, Ed approached me.  As I was doing a suduko and asked if he could speak to me, I could hardly refuse. His tone of voice could perhaps be interpreted as casual, but the message was far from it. He mentioned how devastated his crucial drop that perhaps cost us the mega bucks tournament. He commented that if it may not show ask his wife. He explained reasons for wanting to leave Middlesex due to his career stagnating, but his fondness for Middlesex will always remain and is grateful for what they’ve done for him. None of this was prompted by me and it became clear there was more to the guy then perhaps his exterior lets out. This also, perhaps put our contact in Bristol into context. Shortly after this chat it was announced that Ed severed his ties with Middlesex and moved south to Sussex.

 

In conclusion, Ed’s reason for moving was understandable and handled in the right way. Looking at his first class career at Middlesex he scored 8861 runs at an average of 44.87 including 50 50’s and 19 tons. The less said about bowling and fielding the better. What is clear he has been a marvellous stalwart for the club for 9 years who led us to our first silverware in years. Good luck for the future Joycey (except when Middlesex play Sussex, of course).